In my previous weight loss blogs I was around 11 stone 8 with a target of 11 stone, how this changed. I am now 9 stone 9.5 at target.
I can happily say that I am now a Slimming World Target Member and have been a Target Member this time since the 25th September 2013. I first got to target in March 2013 before my wedding as planned with a loss of 4 stone. Here is a picture of me on my wedding day :)
After the wedding I decided I wanted to lose some more to avoid hitting post wedding blues, it was something to keep me focused and on track with not picking back up the bad eating habits. After the wedding and honeymoon were over I re-set my target to lose another stone. I got my 5 stone award and my target award the day before my 25th birthday it was a great early birthday present to myself. I was so elated I had made that weight loss even bigger, 70lbs gone forever!!!
Me on my birthday the day after reaching Target :D
Slimming World is not a diet, it's a lifestyle change. You don't calorie count, you're not restricted with what you can and can't eat it's just finding that balance and eating in moderation. I am now more mindful about what I eat and want to make the right choices, not only for maintaining my loss but to also stay healthy. I honestly don't know where I would be without it. Probably a lot heavier than I was before still living off of fast food.
I never considered myself as "fat" as I always felt comfortable, although I ate what I wanted, I also lived in stretchy clothes. I mean I knew eating an apple wouldn't make me skinny but I didn't think I had the drive and motivation to see losing weight through either.
The "holy shit" moment hit me in August 2011 on two separate occasions within a week or so of each other.
The first was when I was Bridesmaid for my Sister In Law, we had these beautiful full length blue dresses, that were flowey and summery, I actually though I look great; I indeed felt it (even if the dress was actually 2 sizes bigger than I was claiming to be). Anyway when I saw these pictures back I was shocked and disgusted at how I looked. I was falling out of it in places and it clung to my lumps and bumps, I actually couldn't believe that was me!!!! Who was I looking at, big round face, square shoulders, I had no figure I was a mess.
Then the second occasion was a week or so later when I went to the doctors, I had the routine weight and height check and was then sat down. "Uh-Oh" was all that was going through my head! I was told that I was not able to have my prescribed medication due to my weight, I was too heavy and was imposing health risks. She went on telling me what I could look forward to - Diabetes, thrombosis ,heart issues etc etc. I know it was her duty to warn me and she was just doing her job, but boy did it hit home. I sat in the chair in tears sobbing to myself thinking what have I done, I don't want to be this size any more, I want to be healthy!
I came out of that appointment shocked to the core to say the least, also not realising how much I actually weighed I was ready to do something about it, I joined Slimming World.
Now it's not been a walk in the park, it's been tough, there has been blood, sweat (lots of sweat) and tears; also lots of them. But I have not lost weight I have GOT RID OF IT! My consultant is superb, even now she helps me maintain my weight loss and still provides me with the help and guidance like she did back when.
I still don't feel comfortable in my own skin most days, but I think this is a girl thing, I am not sure I will every feel fully comfortable but my confidence levels are always increasing. But looking back and knowing I have managed to make this permanent change in my life I am super proud of myself.
I hope to inspire others to start/carry on with their own journeys, IT CAN BE DONE, just believe in yourself and the willpower will come with it. We are also only human so if we have the odd day where we slip up or we may gain just brush it under the rug and start a fresh, do not beat yourself up over it. Think about what changes you can make ahead so that you are prepared for the times ahead.
Always plan ahead!
I have lost over 70lbs, my BMI has gone from 38 to 24, I have lost over 20" and have dropped 5 dress sizes. Dreams are achievable!
I realise this is such a long post, so if you have managed to get to the end without falling asleep thank you ;)
Niccy
